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Gen Jan Smuts and his long ride

Au$ 21.10

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Product Code: 978-0-9921745-2-1

General Jan Smuts' epic journey during the Anglo-Boer War epic is retold by Taffy and David Shearing, who specialise in the Cape Colony’s involvement during 1901-1902. Follow the Smuts story from December 1900 and discover how this Boer leader, faced with overwhelming opposition from the British, decided to campaign in the Cape Colony. He raced through the Orange Free State and crossed the Orange River on 4 September, 1901.

In twelve action-packed weeks, Smuts and his small force fought the British, hunger and starvation, and endured appalling storms in the Eastern Cape. They reached the Zuurberg without food and ate the toxic cycad fruit. Smuts and many of his men were desperately ill, but survived. He arrived in Vanrhynsdorp with his command intact and for the next four months he waged guerrilla warfare until he was called to the Peace negotiations.

His great reputation as a leader was born on the Long Ride.

Each chapter in the book contains a map of the route that has served as a tour guide to many people. There is also a list and the details of the 323 members of the Long Ride they have been able to trace.

The Shearings have followed the Smuts route from the Orange River to Okiep. They have also traced the routes of Jaap van Deventer and a party of stragglers that included Deneys Reitz.